|
|
|
|
|
|
October 10, 2005
The Nanoethics
Group to Introduce Societal Issues at ICNT 2005
Presentation kicks off week-long nanoethics symposium at international
conference
SANTA BARBARA, CA – October 10, 2005 – The Nanoethics Group today
announced that it has been invited to speak at the “Societal Impacts”
symposium at the International Congress of Nanotechnology (ICNT), one of the
industry’s largest global gatherings. Patrick Lin, Ph.D., research director
for The Nanoethics Group, will be the symposium’s first speaker, setting the
context for the prestigious event.
Held in San Francisco from October 31 to November 4, 2005, ICNT 2005 brings
together the leading minds in nanotechnology from all over the world,
including more than 150 speakers from 38 countries as well as Nobel Prize
laureates, and offers a rare opportunity to network with top industry
professionals and researchers. The event covers a broad spectrum of topics
in the emerging field of nanotechnology, from the latest research and
development to nanoethics to venture-capital investment and more. ICNT is
the annual meeting of the International Association of Nanotechnology, a
non-profit association based in Sacramento, California.
Dr. Lin will present a high-level overview of the issues and challenges in
studying the societal impact of nanotechnology, including the complexity of
evaluating ethical dilemmas, such as balancing out competing rights and
obligations, as well a survey of topical areas such as privacy, terrorism,
health, economics, politics, environment and others.
“ICNT 2005 is unique in dedicating an entire week to exploring the social
dimensions and implications of the new science,” said Dr. Lin. “In fact,
many other conferences, especially the business-oriented ones, ignore the
subject completely. We are honored to help kick off their symposium and
hopefully help scientists, business executives and other stakeholders to
think about the larger issues related to their research and to proceed
responsibly.”
Nanoethics is gaining attention globally as the nanotechnology industry,
world governments and the broader public hope to avoid previous missteps in
rushing to develop new technologies, such as in biotechnology where a
massive public backlash resulted in bans on genetically-modified foods in
many regions and even entire countries, from Brazil to Germany to Sri Lanka. Similarly, some groups – as recently as GeneEthics Network last week - are
calling for a moratorium on nanotechnology research and products until
public health and other issues have been addressed.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Lin of The Nanoethics Group to speak at our
conference,” said Lloyd L. Tran, program chair for ICNT 2005. “Given his
reputation for clear, unbiased thinking, he’ll be instrumental in
establishing a meaningful framework to understanding the societal issues
that lay before our industry.”
For more information about the International Association of Nanotechnology
and ICNT 2005, including registration information and program agenda, please
visit
www.nanotechcongress.com.
ABOUT
US
The Nanoethics Group is a non-partisan and independent research organization formed to study
nanotechnology’s impact on society and related ethical issues. As
professional ethicists, we help to identify and evaluate possible harms and
conflicts as well as to bring balance and common sense to the debate. Our
mission is to educate and advise both organizations and the broader public
on these issues as a foundation to guide policy and responsible research. For more information, please visit
www.nanoethics.org.
# # # |
